On Capitol Hill, Hegseth is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct, which he denies. So this week, the veteran and former Fox News host spent time with lawmakers, publicly and privately making the case for his leadership of the Defense Department. But some Republican senators are skeptical, and Trump is reportedly lining up other options. Senior political reporter Aaron Blake breaks down the latest Cabinet controversies with White House editor Naftali Bendavid and Washington Post Live anchor Leigh Ann Caldwell. Plus, they discuss the extraordinary breadth of Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter and the possibility that Biden will issue more preemptive pardons to critics of the incoming president. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and mixed by Justin Gerrish. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, a senior political reporter at The Washington Post and co-author of the Early Brief newsletter, shares compelling insights about Matt Gaetz's abrupt withdrawal from the attorney general race, likening it to a fleeting Trump administration moment. The discussion dives into the challenges Trump faces from Republican senators and the implications for future nominations. Caldwell also tackles listener questions about the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 election, highlighting the contrasting views among voters and Democratic reflections on engagement.

In this discussion, Michael Scherer, a national political reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the controversies surrounding Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth. Gaetz faces serious allegations including drug use and sexual misconduct, casting doubt on his potential nomination as Attorney General. Meanwhile, Hegseth is scrutinized after paying off a woman who accused him of assault. The conversation delves into the evolving norms of political behavior and how these high-profile allegations impact Senate confirmations and Republican unity.

Liz Goodwin, Congress reporter for The Washington Post, joins to dissect Trump's surprising Cabinet picks, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard. They discuss the mixed reactions from Senate Republicans and the party's internal struggles. Could the Senate block these nominees? Goodwin delves into confirmation challenges and the option of recess appointments. The conversation also touches on John Thune's role as the new Republican majority leader and the broader dynamics of Trump's influence over Senate leadership.

The podcast dives into Trump's proposed policies for his second term, such as mass deportation and economic tariffs. It reveals the stark contrast between these proposals and public sentiment, particularly about immigration and healthcare. The hosts discuss voter attitudes toward vaccine mandates and the potential backlash against proposed federal workforce changes. Additionally, they examine the polarized responses to Trump's suggestions for pardoning January 6th participants, highlighting the risks he may encounter if he misreads the electorate.

Join Cleve Wootson, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, as he delves into the harsh realities of Kamala Harris's campaign setbacks. The discussion raises tough questions: Did Biden's timing impact her chances? How did voter dynamics shift against Democrats? Wootson highlights the increasing support for Trump from traditionally loyal demographics and the challenges Democrats face in crafting effective economic messages. The discourse also touches upon the biases that female candidates encounter, adding layers to the electoral narrative.

Ashley Parker, Senior national political correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into the dynamics behind Trump's surprising electoral victory over Kamala Harris. She discusses how his unorthodox acceptance speech resonated with voters and explores the impact on the Republican Party. The conversation reveals the complexities of political loyalty and governance amidst Trump's legal challenges. Additionally, they analyze how personal beliefs, especially on abortion, shape voter support and the implications for the future of the Democratic Party.

Donald Trump's surprising victory speech in Florida captivated supporters and highlighted crucial swing states. The atmosphere following the election was a mix of celebration and tension, pointing to significant electoral milestones. Unexpected shifts among Black, Hispanic, and working-class voters have implications for the Republican Party. Future challenges loom, including social issues and the need for voter engagement. The ramifications for the Democratic Party and America's growing divisions are also explored, raising concerns about a second Trump term.

Election Day is a whirlwind of emotions as passionate voters reflect on the importance of democracy and face fears of intimidation. Key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan reveal diverse voter anxieties. The daunting possibility of a tied Electoral College adds tension to an already unpredictable landscape. Voter-driven ballot measures gain prominence amidst changing social issues. As anxiety peaks, creative coping strategies emerge, from nature escapes to tech detoxes, showcasing the human side of democracy.

Amy Gardner, a national reporter for The Washington Post’s democracy team, dives into the complex world of the Electoral College. She breaks down how electoral votes are assigned and the critical role of swing states. Listeners will learn about the unique voting methods in Maine and Nebraska, as well as the implications of the winner-takes-all system. Gardner also discusses the certification process of electoral results, highlighting its importance for democracy and reflecting on the events of January 6th, 2021.